Apparatus for atomizing liquids



Sept; 5, 1939. H. HOLMBOE El AL I 2,171,932

APPARATUS FOR ATOM I211; LIQUIDS 2 Shaet's-Sheet l Filed Feb. 21, 1936J21 J54 J25 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII/IA Sept. 5, 1939.

H. HOLMBOE Er AL 2,171,932 APPARATUS FOR A'rouzzme'uourps Filed Feb. 21,1536 2 sheets-sheet 2 J47 J43 J53 Patented Sept; 5, 1939' v PATENTOF-FlCE APPARATUS FOR ATOMIZING LIQUIDS Harold Holmboe, chicagohaililiAndy B. Cosper,

Ores

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' Application February 21, 1936, Serial No. 65,156

6 Claims.

The invention relates to apparatus for atomizing liquids and hasparticular reference to an improved atomizer which, in addition to otheruses, will have utility as a lubricator for pneumatic tools and thelike.

An object of the invention is to provide apparatus for atomizing liquidswhich will embody novel means maintaining by capillary attraction asupply of liquid where the same may be drawn into the air stream andwhich will effectively regulate the quantity of liquid delivered to theair stream.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus for atomizingliquids embodying spaced capillary members which function to maintain anadequate supply of liquid for injection into the air stream in the formof a mist or finely divided spray, and which will automatically increasein quantity as the velocity of the air stream increases. A

A further object is to provide an atomizer of improved but simpleconstruction, consisting essentially of spaced capillary members, whichpermit adjustment in the spacing thereof so as to regulate the quantityof liquid supplied to a fluid stream. 7

Another and more specific object. is to provide an atomizer that willhave utility for supplying the proper amount of lubricant to the workingparts of pneumatic tools and the like, and which will be operativeregardless of. the position in which the tool is held.

With these and various other objects in view, the invention may consistof certain novel features of construction and operation as will be morefully described and particularly pointed out in the specification,drawings and claims appended hereto.

In the drawings which illustrate an embodiment of the invention andwherein like reference characters are used to designate like parts-Figure 1 is an elevational view of a conventional pneumatic tool, partsof the handle being broken away" to show a lubricator constructed inaccordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a transverse view taken through the lubricator between thedisks and showing the openings for delivering oil to the air stream;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through an atomizerconstructed accordingto the invention and which is designed primarilyfor lndusttial purpo es;

Figure 4 is an elevational view, parts being broken away showing theatomizer or the in- Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of amodified form of industrial atomizer equipped with a plurality ofcapillary members and having an adjustable opening; I

Figure 6 is a transverse sectional view of another form of industrialatomizer constructed in accordance with the invention; and

Figure '7 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on the line1-| of Figure 6.

For purposes .of illustration, the invention will be first described asa lubricator for pneumatic tools. As shown in Figure 1, a chippinghammer having a body portion i0 and a handle H is provided with atrigger or valve actuating lever I! for regulating the supply ofcompressed air to the tool and which is delivered by the flexible hosei3 connecting with said handle. The handle i l is joined to the body illof the pneumatic tool by a portion II which is hollow for substantiallyits entire length, providing a chamber closed at ts lower end by theplug l5. Said chamber is divided internally by a partition l6 forming anupper chamber H which is utilized as a reservoir for the lubricating oiland a lower air chamber IS. The air delivered -to the pneumatic tool isconducted by the passage 20 in the handle II to the tube M of thelubricator, forming a continuation of said passage, and which extendsthrough the oil reservoir i'l, through partition l6, and terminates inthe air chamber i8. From said air chamber the air is delivered bypassage 22 to the pneumatic tool.

The oil reservoir I1 is supplied with lubricating oil through the inletthereof which is normally closed by the threaded member 23 and said oilI is delivered to the air stream flowing through tube 2| by one or moresmall openings 24 therein, located in the vicinity of the base of thereservoir. The boreof tube ii is enlarged as at 25, the angular surfacesforming the enlargement of said bore coinciding with the small openings24. Securely fastened to theexterior of the tube 2| above and below saidopenings 24 are a pair of members or discs 26. Said members arespacedrelatively close to provide the necessary capillary.

attraction for maintaining a supply of oil for delivery through openings24, it being observed that the space between said members is incommunication with the openings 24. The diameter a of said members issomewhat less than the internal diameter or theoil reservoir I! whichpermits the oil to enter between said members.

In the drawings the space between the members 26 has been necessarilyexaggerated for clearness since in the physical embodiment of thepresent lubricator the distance between said member may be severalthousandths of an inch. Said members, therefore, provide capillaryattraction to draw the oil from the periphery to the openings 24. Inoperation a constant supply of oil is maintained between said membersbut at no time does the supply become excessive due to the narrow spacetherebetween. The device, therefore, effectively regulates the supply oflubricant that may enter the tube through openings 24 and functionsirrespective of the position of the tool since the capillary attractionprovided by said members does not depend on whether the same arehorizontally, vertically or angularly disposed.

The oil is in effect injected into the air stream. To accomplish thisthe bore within the tube 2I is enlarged as at 25 and the openings 24 arelocated so as to coincide with this enlargement. The action of the airstream upon reaching the enlarged bore in said tube is to cause asuctioneifect in the vicinity of, the angular surfaces 25 and since theopenings 24 enter the bore at these surfaces, the oil is accordinglydrawn into the air stream by suction. In Figure 3 the invention is shownas comprising an atomizer suitable for industrial uses and a which isconnected in any approved manner to an air supply line. The reservoir -III of said atomizer may contain any liquid which is desired to injectinto the air stream in the form of a mist or finely divided spray. Saidreservoir I I1 is provided by the cylinder H4. Extending through saidreservoir is a tube I21I, having one or more small openings I24 formedtherein, which openings coincide with the angular surfaces I25 formingan enlargement in the bore extending through said tube. The reservoirII1 is provided with an inlet closed by the threaded member I23. Similarto the device shown in, Figure 1, spaced plates or discs I28 providecapillary means for maintaining a constant and adequate supply of liquidfor delivery to the small openings I24. Said plates are suitably fixedto the exterior of the tube I2I and are located on the respective sidesof the opening so that the space between said plates is in communicationwith said openings. Also, as explained with respect to Figure 1, theplates are relatively close to produce the necessary capillaryattraction for drawing the liquid from the periphery to adjacent theopenings I24.

In Figure 4 an atomizer for home use is disclosed and which consists ofa jar or receptacle I30 closed at its upper end by the lid I3I throughwhich extends the tube I32. Said tube at the left-hand end thereof has adownwardly extending portion to which is fitted, as at I33, the rubberbulb I34 provided with the conventional air valve I35 which preventsescape of the air within the bulb when the same is squeezed, causing theair to be forced through the tube I32. However, said valve opens whenthe bulb expands to fill said bulb with another charge of air. The tubeI32 has a substantially horizontal portion I36 within the container I30,which is located adjacent the base of said container. This portion isequipped with the spaced discs I31 forming the atomizer of theinvention. Small openings I30 connect the space between said discs withthe interior of the tube to which point the bore of said tube isconsiderably enlarged to cause a suction effect in the vicinity of theopenings I30, thus injecting into the air stream the liquid in thecontainer. Theinvention contemplates any other structure which will-havethe effect of inducing a suction at the small openings I38.

In the operation of the present atomizer, the compressed air travelingthrough the bore or the tube 2I, I2I, or I32 creates a suction effect atthe start of the enlargement of the bore and the liquid from the smallopenings is therefore injected into the air stream. The liquid entersthe -air stream in the form of, a mist and is'carried by the air whichforms a vehicle for the liquid. In the device of Figure 1 the compressedair is finally admitted to the working parts .of the tool for drivingsaid parts and thus the oil carried by said air is supplied to theworking surfaces thereof. A very minute quantity of liquid is injectedinto the air stream by reason of the small openings and also by reasonof the fact that the supply of liquid is limited by the proximity of thespaced capillary members. However, the atom izer will function toconstantly supply just the proper amount of liquid during operation ofthe same and, when used as a lubricator, the quantity of oil is justsuilicient to lubricate the working parts of the tool and this supply isnot dependent upon the position of the tool but continues irrespectiveof whether the tool is horizontally disposed or vertically disposed.

In Figure 5 the atomizer is modified in that a plurality of capillarymembers or disks I40 are provided which are held together as aunit inspaced relation by the securing bolts I4I. One of said disks is providedwith a boss I42 which is securely fitted to the end of tube I43, havinga bevelled end I44. The passage through the reservoir is continued bytube I-45, which tube is provided with a tapering end I45, the exteriorsurfaces I" of which have association with bevel I44 of the tube I43.

The tubes I43-and I45 extend through the reservoir provided bythehousing I48 which has an opening normally closed by the plug I49. Thetube I43 is threaded to member I50 and is secured in adjusted positionon said member by nut. I5I. The member is then suitably secured as byweld: ing to the cylindrical portion of the reservoir to form a fluidtight connection therewith. Tube I45 has threaded engagement. witha'boss I52 integral with the housing. ,"Therefore', by rotating tube I45the tapered end I41 can be adjusted to secure the desired spacingbetween the tubes. When proper adjustment has been secured the packingring I53 is rotated to compress the packing I54 to thereby seal the tubeI45 with respect to the housing. I

The association of the bevelled end I44 with the reduced portion I46provides an annular opening which as shown has communication with thespace between the disks I40. This annular opening is adjustable astosize by merely rotating tube I45 as above explained and thus thequantity of oil injected into the fluid stream flowing through the tubesisaccordingly varied. The oil or liquid from the reservoir is injectedin the same manner as previously described since sub-atmospheric presureis induced around the annular opening in tube I43 due to the reduced endof tube I45. It will be understood that the space shown between thediscs I40 and also the space between the exterior of tube I 45 and theopening through the disks has been exaggerated.

. converge in a direction toward the boss ISL the disks is justsuficient to permit movement of the tube.

The atomizer shown in Figures 6 and 7 is similar in many respects to theindustrial atomizer of Figure 3. The tube I55 extends through areservoir provided by a container I56. Spaced capilliary members ordisks I51 are suitably flxed to the exterior of the tube and positionedsubstantially centrally of the reservoir, with the space between themembers in alignment with a capillary bore I58 running transversely ofthe tube and passing through anintegral partition I60. Said partition isprovided with a boss IBI on one side thereof, which is concentric with apassage I62 communicating with the capillary bore I58 so that the oil orliquid in the reservoir which finds its way between the capillary memberI51 is discharged to the capillary bore I58 and from said bore to thepassage I62.

The air or fluid stream flowing through the tube I55-passes through theopenings I63 in the partition I60, said opening being angularly disposedwith respect tothe horizontal and tending to The air or fluid streamsissuing from said openings will therefore converge at a point in advanceof the boss I El and as a result a subatmospheric pressure is generatedso as to produce a suction in passage I62. Therefore, the liquid or oilfrom the reservoir is in. efiect injected from passage I62 into the airor fluid stream flowing through the tube.-

The atomizer of Figures 6 and 7 will therefore perform in much the samemanner as previously described with respect to the devices of Figures 1and 3. For certain industrial uses it is desirable to prevent the oil orliquid injected into the fluid stream from adhering to the walls of thetube. The atomizer of Figure 6 has accordingly been designed to meetthis need and little or none of the oil or liquid from the reservoiradheres to the walls of the tube due to the fact that the same isdelivered centrally of said tube and is discharged into the center ofthe air or fluid stream flowing throughsaid tube.

From the above description of the several preferred forms of the presentinvention, it will be understood that the atomizer is adjustable in anumber of respects. The amount, of liquid injected into the fluidstreamwill vary as the velocity of the said fluid stream varies, since thesuction inducedby said fluid stream varies directly as the velocity.Also the size of the spacing between the capillary members will have theeffect of varying the quantity of liquid supplied. Regulation can alsobe effected by adjusting the size of the opening and this isaccomplished in the device of Figure 5 by rendering one section of thetube axially adjustable with respect to the other section, the annularopening formed thereby having direct communication with the spacebetween the capillary members. when the present atomizer is used as alubricator it can be incorporated in the tool as as integral part of thesame or can be located in the compressed air supply line, in which casea device such as shown in Figu're3 would be used. For

spraying paints and other liquids a device similar to Figure 4 can beused and it is optional whether the device is connected to a pressurebulb or to limited to the injection of liquid into an air streamor otherelastic medium, but on the other hand,

satisfactory operation has resulted when water I or other liquid is usedas a vehicle. The atomizer therefore has commercial application in thosecases where it is desired to inject a smallour'co-pending aplication,Serial No. 48,918, filed November 8, 1935, which has since becomeabandoned.

The invention is not to be limited to or by details of construction ofthe particular embodiment thereof illustrated by the drawings,- asvarious other forms of the device will of course be apparent to thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention orthe scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An atomizer including a reservoir adapted to contain a liquid to beatomized, a tubular member extending through the reservoir from end toend-and adapted to conduct a fluid, said member having an openingtherein leading to the bore of the member, spaced members fixed to saidtubular member on the respective sides of said opening to provide acapillary space associated with the opening, said capillaryspacemaintaining a constant but limited supply of liquid for delivery to theopening, and an enlargement in the bore of said member to produce asuction effect at the opening by the flow of the fluid therethrough,whereby the liquid is injected into .the fluid from said opening.

2. An atomizer including a reservoir adapted to contain a liquid to beatomized, a tubular member extending through the reservoir from end toend and adapted to conduct a fluid, said member having an openingtherein leading to the bore of the member, spaced members supported bysaid tubular member and having substantially parallel surfaces providinga' capillary. space, said spaced members being positioned to locate thecapillary space in communication with the opening, and said capillaryspace providing a path for conducting the liquid in the reservoir fromthe periphery of the members to the opening, thereby maintaining aconstant, but limited supply of liquid for delivery to said opening,whereby liquid is discharged by said opening into the fluid flowingthrough the tubular member.

3. An atomizer including a reservoir adapted to contain a liquid to beatomized, a tubular member extending through the reservoir from end toend and adapted to conduct a fluid, said member having a small openingtherein leading to the bore of the member, spaced members fixed to said.

tubular member and having substantially paralgg lel surfaces providing acapillary space, said spaced members being positioned to locate thecapillary space in communication with said small opening, andsaid'capillary space providing a path for conducting the liquid in thereservoir from the periphery of the members to the small opening, andthe bore of said tubular member-be ing constructed to produce a suctioneffect at the small opening by the flow of the fluid therethrough,whereby said liquid is injected into the fluid from the small opening.

4. An atomizer including a reservoir for a liquid to be atomized, a tubeextending through the reservoir from end to end and adapted to conductan elastic fluid, said tube having a small opening leading to the boreof the tube, capillary means including spaced discs fixed to said tubeand providing a capillary space associated with the opening formaintaining a constant but limited supply of liquid for delivery to saidopening, said spaced discs having parallel planar surfaces forming saidcapillary space, and an enlargement in the bore of said tube at theopening to produce a suction eflect by the flow of the elastic fluidthrough the tube, whereby the liquid is injected into the elastic fluidfrom the small opening.

5. An atomizer including a reservoir fora liquid to be atomized, a tubeextending, through the reservoir from end to end and adapted to conducta fluid medium, a wall in the bore 01' said tube having a plurality oflongitudinal passages extending therethrough, whereby the fluid mediumflowing through the tube is caused to flow through said passages, atransverse passage in said integral wall having communication with acenter opening in said wall in one side thereof, and capiltaining aconstant but limited supply of liquid for delivery to said transversepassage, whereby said liquid is discharged from the center opening intothe fluid mediumflowing through the tube.

6. An atomizer including a reservoir fora liquid to be atomized, tubularmeans extending through the reservoir from end to end and adapted toconduct a fluid medium, a wall within the bore of said tubular meanshaving a plurality of longitudinal passages through which said fluidmedium must flow, a central opening in one side of said wall, atransverse passage in said wall extending to the periphery of saidtubular means and communicating with said opening, and spaced capillarymembers flxed to said tubular means and having the space therebetween incommunication with said transverse passage, said capillary membersmaintaining a constant but limited supply of liquid for delivery to saidtransverse passage, and which is eventually discharged from saidopening, said longitudinal passages in the wall being constructed andarranged to produce a suction eflect in advance of the center opening bythe flow of fluid medium therethrough.

HAROLD HOLMBOE. ANDY B. COSPER.

